Course Syllabus

 

Tumor Biology and Oncology      DIS Logo

Semester & Location:

Fall 2022 - DIS Stockholm

Type & Credits:

Elective Course - 3 credits

Major Disciplines:

Biology, Pre-Medicine / Health Science

Prerequisites

One year of biology at university level

Faculty Member:

Pavitra Kannan pavitra.kannan@disstockholm.se  

Program Director:

Susana Dietrich

Academic support:

academics@disstockholm.se 

Time & Place:

Mondays & Thursdays, 13:15-14:35, D-411

 

Course Description

This course provides you with insight into the molecular and cellular events involved in tumor formation, progression, and metastasis. You learn about the clinical aspects of different types of cancer, diagnostic procedures, and the specific therapies (surgery and various oncological treatments). Examples of molecular, genetic, and other biological events related to cancer etiology, symptoms, and targets for cancer therapy are given in addition to other clinical aspects. Related topics are presented, such as cancer research methodology and its strengths and limitations, psychosocial perspectives of cancer diagnosis, and palliative oncology and supportive care. Emphasis is on the correlation between the molecular basis of cancer and its clinical implications.

Please note that the syllabus is subject to change, with notice.

 

Learning Objectives

After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Explain the biological basis for the occurrence and appearance of tumor cells
  • Identify the hallmarks of cancer and how they contribute to tumor survival
  • Explain the mode of action and rationale for different cancer treatments 
  • Discuss the psychological and social impact of receiving a cancer diagnosis
  • Evaluate findings in cancer research papers

 

Faculty

PKannan.jpg  

Pavitra Kannan, PhD

In my position as Researcher at Karolinska Institutet, I study molecular mechanisms of resistance to cancer therapies using imaging, cell biology, and mathematics. I obtained my Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (Karolinska Institutet, 2012) and completed postdoctoral training in cancer imaging (University of Oxford, 2018). 

 

 

Readings 

  • Select chapters from the books:
    • Weinberg R. The Biology of Cancer (2nd ed). New York, NY: Garland Sciences, 2014. 
    • DeVita V. Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology (3rd ed). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer, 2020.
  • Peer-reviewed scientific articles posted on Canvas.


Field Studies

There are two field studies in this course. In the first one, you will run your own "study" on tobacco use in Stockholm and analyze the data you collect. In the second one, you will visit a research or diagnostics lab that works on cancer in the Stockholm region! Information on the field studies will be provided a few days before the event.

 

Guest Lecturers

During the course, two faculty members from surrounding universities in Stockholm will give lectures on topics related to cancer. More information will be provided during the course.

 

Approach to Teaching

Different teaching formats will be used to foster active learning: interactive lectures, role play, class discussions, group work, case studies, field studies, and presentations. Patient examples will be used to illustrate some of the topics. Students are expected to engage actively in class in oral presentations, discussions, group work, and exercises. Before each lecture, a pdf of the presentation will be posted on Canvas.

 

Expectations of Students

  • When indicated by the instructor, laptops may be used for note‐taking, fact‐checking, or assignment in the classroom. 
  • Please come to class on time.
  • Be respectful of others and their opinions. Please listen patiently and engage in constructive dialogue. 


Evaluation

Class participation

Students need to be present and proactive in discussions to receive full credit. The final grade will be affected by unexcused absences and lack of participation. 

Worksheets

Group worksheets and activities will be used to explore case studies and to get hands-on experience using public databases.

Reading questions and quizzes

A substantial part of each class is dependent on discussions from assigned readings, which must completed prior to the class session. Reading questions and quizzes will be administered periodically to ensure comprehension and to test critical thinking skills. The quizzes will comprise few, short, essay-type questions related to the assigned readings or to class material. 

Project work and presentations

The theme of the main project is "the present and future of cancer care".  To integrate knowledge from this course, each student will work on a project investigating the following for a particular type of cancer:

  • Part 1: identify the risks and causes using public databases (10%)
  • Part 2: present a patient experience of cancer treatment (15%)
  • Part 3: design a research study of a new treatment that destroys cancer cells without damaging healthy cells (15%)
  • Part 4: poster presentation (10%)


Grading

To be eligible for a passing grade in this class all of the assigned work must be completed. Late assignments will be accepted, but the grade for the paper will be reduced by 10%/day. The factors influencing the final grade and the proportional importance of each factor is shown below:

Component

Weight

Class participation

15%

Worksheets

15%

Reading questions and quizzes

20%

Project work and presentations

50%

 

Academic Regulations  

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on: 

 

DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org

Course Summary:

Date Details Due